Invention:
This invention describes a methodology for using glycolipid-modified, reusable hydrogels to recover, concentrate, and separate toxic metals from aqueous solutions.
Background:
Heavy and toxic metal contamination poses a significant risk to human and environmental health in many commercial and environmental settings. Many commercial endeavors in fields such as mining have both a regulatory and business obligation to control toxic metal contamination and reduce exposure to personnel.
The inventors have proposed a methodology and formulations for glycolipid-modified, reusable hydrogels and glycolipid-functionalized resins to absorb toxic metal contamination from aqueous solutions. These hydrogels and resins can be specific to certain metals and can be used in a significant number of ways.
Applications:
- Toxic metal remediation technologies
- Environmental remediation technologies
Advantages:
- Simple to deploy and use
- Specificity to certain contaminants
- Reusable
- Environmentally friendly
- Highly selective
